Career and Education Opportunities for Civil Draftsmen in Palmdale, California

There is a wide variety of career and education opportunities for civil draftsmen in the Palmdale, California area. Currently, 18,100 people work as civil draftsmen in California. This is expected to shrink 2% to about 17,700 people by 2016. This is not quite as good as the national trend for civil draftsmen, which sees this job pool growing by about 9.1% over the next eight years. Civil draftsmen generally prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.

Income for civil draftsmen is about $25 per hour or $52,200 yearly on average in California. Nationally, their income is about $21 per hour or $44,490 annually. Civil draftsmen earn more than people working in the category of Drafting generally in California and less than people in the Drafting category nationally. People working as civil draftsmen can fill a number of jobs, such as: civil design technician, civil drafting technician, and computer-aided drafting and design operator .

There are 210 schools of higher education in the Palmdale area, including twenty-three within twenty-five miles of Palmdale where you can get a degree to start your career as a civil draftsman. Civil draftsmen usually hold an Associate's, or other 2-year degree, so it will take about two years to learn to be a civil draftsman if you already have a high school diploma.

CAREER DESCRIPTION: Civil Draftsman

In general, civil draftsmen prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.

Civil draftsmen produce drawings using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles and other drafting devices. They also draft plans and detailed drawings for structures and construction projects such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes. Equally important, civil draftsmen have to decide on the order of work and method of presentation. They are often called upon to finish and duplicate drawings and documentation packages, in line with required mediums and requirements for reproduction using blueprinting or other duplicating methods. They are expected to inspect rough sketches and other engineering data received from civil engineers to insure that they conform to layout concepts. Finally, civil draftsmen explain drawings to production or construction teams and furnish adjustments as needed.

Every day, civil draftsmen are expected to be able to read and understand documents and reports. They need to see details at a very fine level of focus. It is also important that they listen to and understand others in meetings.

It is important for civil draftsmen to decide on quality, cost, strength and quantity of required materials, and enter figures on materials lists. They are often called upon to locate and identify symbols located on topographical surveys to denote geological and geophysical formations or oil field installations. They also calculate weights and stress factors and their implications for technical aspects of designs. They are sometimes expected to supervise or conduct field surveys, inspections or technical investigations to obtain data used to revise construction drawings. Somewhat less frequently, civil draftsmen are also expected to produce drawings using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles and other drafting devices.

And finally, they sometimes have to inspect rough sketches and other engineering data received from civil engineers to insure that they conform to layout concepts.

Like many other jobs, civil draftsmen must be thorough and dependable and be reliable.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Palmdale include:

Architectural Drafter. Prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect.

CAD/CAM Specialist. Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, and other engineering information.

Cartographer. Collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data. Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for legal, social, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems.

Civil Engineering Technician. Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

Survey Technician. Adjust and operate surveying instruments, such as the theodolite and electronic distance-measuring equipment, and compile notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.

Surveying Technician. Calculate mapmaking information from field notes, and draw and verify accuracy of topographical maps.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Civil Draftsman Training

Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute - Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute, 6435 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute is a small school located in Los Angeles, California. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 2-year programs and has 176 students. Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute has a less than one year program in Drafting and Design Technology/Technician.

Long Beach City College - Long Beach, CA

Long Beach City College, 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA 90808-1706. Long Beach City College is a large college located in Long Beach, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 26,097 students. Long Beach City College has 3 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Architectural Technology/Technician, one to two year, associate's degree, and two to four year which graduated three, five, and zero students respectively in 2008.

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, two to four year.

Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD, less than one year, associate's degree, and two to four year which graduated six, four, and zero students respectively in 2008.

Cerritos College - Norwalk, CA

Cerritos College, 11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650-6298. Cerritos College is a large college located in Norwalk, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 22,228 students. Cerritos College has 2 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Architectural Technology/Technician, one to two year, associate's degree, and two to four year which graduated six, ten, and zero students respectively in 2008.

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, one to two year, associate's degree, and two to four year which graduated six, three, and zero students respectively in 2008.

Los Angeles City College - Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles City College, 855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029. Los Angeles City College is a large college located in Los Angeles, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 17,310 students. Los Angeles City College has an associate's degree program in Architectural Technology/Technician.

Rio Hondo College - Whittier, CA

Rio Hondo College, 3600 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601-1616. Rio Hondo College is a large college located in Whittier, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 17,505 students. Rio Hondo College has 3 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Architectural Technology/Technician, less than one year, associate's degree, and two to four year which graduated twelve, fourteen, and zero students respectively in 2008.

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, less than one year, associate's degree, and two to four year which graduated twelve, eight, and zero students respectively in 2008.

Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD, associate's degree and two to four year.

Westwood College-South Bay - Torrance, CA

Westwood College-South Bay, 19700 S. Vermont Avenue, Suite 100, Torrance, CA 90502. Westwood College-South Bay is a small college located in Torrance, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs and has 620 students. Westwood College-South Bay has an associate's degree program in Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD which graduated seven students in 2008.

ITT Technical Institute-Torrance - Torrance, CA

ITT Technical Institute-Torrance, 20050 S. Vermont Ave, Torrance, CA 90502. ITT Technical Institute-Torrance is a small school located in Torrance, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 897 students and an admission rate of 44%. ITT Technical Institute-Torrance has an associate's degree program in CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician which graduated thirty-four students in 2008.

ITT Technical Institute-Sylmar - Sylmar, CA

ITT Technical Institute-Sylmar, 12669 Encinitas Ave, Sylmar, CA 91342-3664. ITT Technical Institute-Sylmar is a small school located in Sylmar, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 999 students and an admission rate of 58%. ITT Technical Institute-Sylmar has an associate's degree program in CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician which graduated thirty-five students in 2008.

Citrus College - Glendora, CA

Citrus College, 1000 W Foothill Blvd, Glendora, CA 91741-1899. Citrus College is a large college located in Glendora, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 13,501 students. Citrus College has 2 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, associate's degree and two to four year which graduated eight and zero students respectively in 2008.

Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD, two to four year.

Glendale Community College - Glendale, CA

Glendale Community College, 1500 N Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA 91208-2894. Glendale Community College is a large college located in Glendale, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 15,993 students. Glendale Community College has 2 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Architectural Technology/Technician, less than one year, associate's degree, and two to four year which graduated twelve, four, and zero students respectively in 2008.

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, less than one year which graduated 2 students in 2008.

Los Angeles Harbor College - Wilmington, CA

Los Angeles Harbor College, 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington, CA 90744-2397. Los Angeles Harbor College is a large college located in Wilmington, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 9,694 students. Los Angeles Harbor College has 2 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Architectural Technology/Technician, less than one year and associate's degree which graduated two and two students respectively in 2008.

El Camino Community College District, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506. El Camino Community College District is a large college located in Torrance, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 26,825 students. El Camino Community College District has 2 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Architectural Technology/Technician, associate's degree and two to four year which graduated seven and zero students respectively in 2008.

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, one to two year, associate's degree, and two to four year which graduated four, five, and zero students respectively in 2008.

East Los Angeles College - Monterey Park, CA

East Los Angeles College, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754-6099. East Los Angeles College is a large college located in Monterey Park, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 25,475 students. East Los Angeles College has 2 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Architectural Technology/Technician, less than one year, one to two year, and associate's degree which graduated twenty, one, and three students respectively in 2008.

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, one to two year and associate's degree which graduated eight and six students respectively in 2008.

Los Angeles Pierce College - Woodland Hills, CA

Los Angeles Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91371-0002. Los Angeles Pierce College is a large college located in Woodland Hills, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 21,832 students. Los Angeles Pierce College has 2 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Architectural Technology/Technician, one to two year and associate's degree which graduated one and two students respectively in 2008.

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, less than one year which graduated 1 student in 2008.

Antelope Valley College - Lancaster, CA

Antelope Valley College, 3041 West Ave K, Lancaster, CA 93536-5426. Antelope Valley College is a large college located in Lancaster, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 14,800 students. Antelope Valley College has an associate's degree and a two to four year program in Drafting and Design Technology/Technician which graduated one and zero students respectively in 2008.

Pasadena City College - Pasadena, CA

Pasadena City College, 1570 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106-2003. Pasadena City College is a large college located in Pasadena, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 26,453 students. Pasadena City College has 2 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, associate's degree and two to four year.

Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD, two to four year.

Los Angeles Trade Technical College - Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles Trade Technical College, 400 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015-4181. Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a large college located in Los Angeles, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 15,565 students. Los Angeles Trade Technical College has less than one year, one to two year, and associate's degree programs in Architectural Technology/Technician which graduated six, one, and one students respectively in 2008.

College of the Canyons - Santa Clarita, CA

College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355-1899. College of the Canyons is a large college located in Santa Clarita, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 20,474 students. College of the Canyons has an associate's degree and a two to four year program in Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD which graduated one and zero students respectively in 2008.

Los Angeles Valley College - Valley Glen, CA

Los Angeles Valley College, 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096. Los Angeles Valley College is a large college located in Valley Glen, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 18,550 students. Los Angeles Valley College has 2 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Architectural Technology/Technician, less than one year which graduated 3 students in 2008.

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, less than one year which graduated 1 student in 2008.

Los Angeles Mission College - Sylmar, CA

Los Angeles Mission College, 13356 Eldridge Avenue, Sylmar, CA 91342-3245. Los Angeles Mission College is a large college located in Sylmar, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 10,264 students. Los Angeles Mission College has a less than one year program in Drafting and Design Technology/Technician which graduated one student in 2008.

Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute-Sherman Oaks - Sherman Oaks, CA

Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute-Sherman Oaks, 15130 Ventura Blvd, Ste 250, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute-Sherman Oaks is a small school located in Sherman Oaks, California. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 2-year programs and has 54 students. Los Angeles ORT Technical Institute-Sherman Oaks has a less than one year program in Drafting and Design Technology/Technician which graduated eleven students in 2008.

ITT Technical Institute-San Dimas - San Dimas, CA

ITT Technical Institute-San Dimas, 650 W. Cienega Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773. ITT Technical Institute-San Dimas is a small school located in San Dimas, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 1,010 students and an admission rate of 48%. ITT Technical Institute-San Dimas has an associate's degree program in CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician which graduated forty-one students in 2008.

Mt San Antonio College - Walnut, CA

Mt San Antonio College, 1100 N Grand Ave, Walnut, CA 91789-1399. Mt San Antonio College is a large college located in Walnut, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 30,439 students. Mt San Antonio College has 2 areas of study related to Civil Draftsman. They are:

Architectural Technology/Technician, one to two year, associate's degree, and two to four year which graduated three, two, and zero students respectively in 2008.

Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, associate's degree and two to four year.

CERTIFICATIONS

Planning and Scheduling Professional:
The PSP certification is to recognize specialists who meet a demanding set of planning and scheduling criteria by a rigorous examination, experience, education and ethical qualificaion.

Certified Transfer Station Technical Associate:
This certification was developed to address the increased interest in transfer stations and provide transfer station managers and others the opportunity to learn more about transfer station design and operation.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Palmdale, California

Palmdale, California photo by Jamesb01

Palmdale is located in Los Angeles County, California. It has a population of over 143,197, which has grown by 22.7% in the past ten years. The cost of living index in Palmdale, 132, is far greater than the national average. New single-family homes in Palmdale are priced at $218,600 on average, which is far less than the state average. In 2008, three hundred seventy-four new homes were built in Palmdale, down from eight hundred thirty-nine the previous year.

The three big industries for women in Palmdale are health care, educational services, and accommodation and food services. For men, it is construction, transportation equipment, and accommodation and food services. The average travel time to work is about 43 minutes. More than 13.3% of Palmdale residents have a bachelor's degree, which is lower than the state average. The percentage of residents with a graduate degree, 3.8%, is lower than the state average.

The unemployment rate in Palmdale is 15.6%, which is greater than California's average of 12.3%.

The percentage of Palmdale residents that are affiliated with a religious congregation, 58.1%, is more than both the national and state average. The most common religious groups are the Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Convention and the LDS (Mormon) Church.

Palmdale is home to the Ritter Ranch and the Palmdale City Library as well as McAdam Park and Tejon Park.